Camping options near Plainfield, Indiana range from primitive tent sites to modern RV accommodations across several state parks and private campgrounds. Located in central Indiana approximately 15 miles southwest of Indianapolis, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching the mid-80s and cold winters with average lows in the 20s. Most camping facilities operate seasonally from April through October, though some private campgrounds remain open year-round with limited winter amenities.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Indy Lakes Campground offers several fishing ponds, though anglers should note restrictions. "Lots of monthly campers and lots of trash. I picked up a trash bag full just behind my spot. When you check-in the list of rules makes it feel very unwelcoming. The 'lakes' are more like ponds but you have to stay away so the anglers get the water," reports one visitor.
Hiking through forests and ravines: Morgan-Monroe State Forest features multiple trail systems, including two trails over 10 miles long. "There are a lot of trails to hike 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes). The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier national Forest," notes a camper who appreciated the well-maintained trails.
Water recreation: White River Campground provides river access for kayaking and canoeing. "There's a ramp into the river right there, trails, clean. I love this place and feel completely safe," shares one regular visitor. The campground also connects to additional park amenities including hiking trails across a walk bridge spanning the river.
What campers like
Private sites with natural features: Many campers appreciate secluded spots at Turkey Run State Park Campground where wooded areas create natural barriers. "We took our van and stayed at Turkey Run for a three night weekend. We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," notes one camper who also warns, "watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. According to one visitor at White River Campground, "Their bathrooms and showers are the cleanest I've came across." Similarly, another camper mentioned Cloverdale RV Park's "bathrooms are AMAZING (no…seriously)."
Family-friendly amenities: Indianapolis KOA offers specialized facilities for children. "The splash pad / water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you. The water was cold but my kiddos finally got in and had fun on the slides," explains a visitor who found the balance of "kid fun and peaceful nature is actually on point here."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significantly varied site quality. At Turkey Run, "the open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods." Similarly at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, a camper notes they were "slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Indianapolis KOA operates "March 1 to November 15," while other campgrounds like Raceview Family Campground run from "May 22 to September 1."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoon State Recreation Area lives up to its name. One visitor advises to "Be prepared for the Raccoons and tons of fun!" Similarly, Turkey Run campers repeatedly mention raccoon activity around campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Splash features for hot days: At Indianapolis KOA, "The general store is chock full of great gear including a variety of Life is Good clothing and pizza available for delivery. The pool is delightful especially for littles who will enjoy the fountains and big pouring bucket."
Accessible activities: White River Campground connects to family-friendly options. "Park next door is great for hiking, has walk bridge over river to trails, horse backing riding, high ropes course," notes a visitor. The campground recently remodeled its playground facilities.
Crowd management strategies: For Turkey Run, timing is essential. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon. Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Morgan-Monroe State Forest has significant RV restrictions. "We are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground. If you have a small camper (15' or smaller) there would more sites."
Hookup variations: Many campgrounds offer limited electric options but no water at sites. "No water hookups at the site but all except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my ev without issue," reports a Turkey Run visitor.
Level site challenges: Finding flat parking is difficult in many campgrounds. "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water," notes a Morgan-Monroe camper who also warns that sites "are primitive, with gravel parking pads" and many are not level.
